Dr. Sheila Adamus Liotta has been named Saint Anselm College’s Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA). She begins on or around July 1. The position was previously held by Br. Isaac Murphy O.S.B., who is now executive vice president.
Liotta brings impressive experience in the classroom and the administrative offices at Providence College, where she has worked for 29 years. Appointed the founding dean of the School of Arts & Sciences in January 2009, Liotta fostered a culture of academic excellence in the humanities, fine arts, social sciences and natural sciences. She helped build new interdisciplinary programs and oversaw the implementation of Providence College’s revised core liberal arts curriculum.
Liotta led Providence College’s successful application for a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the premier arts and sciences honor society, which will be installed this spring. She also prioritized issues of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout her time as dean, creating an associate dean position to ensure that the School of Arts & Sciences consistently works towards achieving strategic DEI goals.
Prior to serving as dean, Liotta was chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for eight years. She has been a faculty member since 1993. An organic chemist and a strong proponent of undergraduate research, Liotta has supervised 35 student researchers in her Providence College laboratory. Since becoming dean in 2009, she has continued to teach a course for non-science majors on contemporary issues in chemistry. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Rutgers University and her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University.
“The importance of the role of the chief academic officer cannot be overstated” said Dr. Joseph A. Favazza, president of Saint Anselm. “We were pleased that three strong finalists emerged from a pool of more than 50 applicants. Dr. Liotta rose as the top candidate after the extensive review and interview process. She will be a very welcome addition to our exceptional academic community as well as the senior leadership team.”
The VPAA is responsible for all academic-related matters and leadership. In this role, Liotta will work on developing and implementing the college’s academic plans and promoting academic excellence through collaboration and cooperation across the college. She also will be a member of the college’s Senior Administrative Leadership team.
Liotta brings extensive knowledge of student-centered Catholic higher education to the VPAA position. At PC, she focused on establishing and developing the School of Arts & Sciences’ structure, creating faculty development and support opportunities, and forging partnerships with others on campus in areas such as inclusive excellence and fundraising. She credits PC’s supportive community with the school’s success and is looking forward to bringing her knowledge to a college with similar attributes like Saint Anselm.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity,” Liotta said. “Saint Anselm’s firm commitment to a holistic liberal arts education rooted in the Catholic and Benedictine traditions resonates fully with my own educational philosophy. I hope to use my experiences to help Saint Anselm College thrive in the years to come while it stays firmly rooted in its identity and principles. I look forward to partnering with President Favazza along with the faculty, staff, administration, students, Board of Trustees and Benedictine community.”
The appointment of Liotta to the VPAA role followed a six-month, nationwide search led by the VPAA Search Committee:
- Dr. Marie Chabot-Fletcher ‘81, former trustee
- Dr. Ahida Pilarsk, chair of the Theology Department
- Dr. Mary Kate Donais, professor in the Chemistry Department
- Dr. Ande Diaz, Chief Diversity Officer
- Steve Goetsch, Vice President for Enrollment Management
- Fr. John Fortin O.S.B. ‘71, professor emeritus and member of the Academic Affairs Committee
- Stephanie Fernandez, assistant dean for sophomores and academic success
- Dr. Susan Gabert ’91, assistant dean of students and director of campus ministry
The committee was co-chaired by Dr. Tauna Sisco, chair of the sociology department and former president of the faculty senate, and Mike Riegel ’92, a member of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.
Liotta joins an academic leadership team that includes Dr. Mark Cronin, the Dean of the College who has served as interim VPAA this academic year, and Dr. Christine Gustafson, who was appointed the college’s first Dean of Academic Excellence earlier this year.